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School board takes steps toward future
Wednesday, 31 October 2012 by Jenna Magness
The theme of Monday's BISD school board meeting was simply taking steps toward the future.
Nationwide program, Project Heartbeat, began the meeting introducing their report on homelessness. Statistics were shown that said school age youth is the fastest growing homeless population in America. Attendees were encouraged to reach out and take action for those children who, although go to school for free, have no home.
BISD acknowledged two groups for their hard work. The first group contained students who are in the National Merit Scholarship Program, a privately financed academic competition. Students become eligible for the scholarship after taking the PSAT/National Merit Qualifying Test. The Semi-Finalists included Mitchell Anderson and Lucille Soerens.
"These students have excelled and did exactly what we had hoped they would do," said Board President Randy Pittenger.
Because of Governor Rick Perry's latest declaration that this month is Principal's Month, Belton principals were honored as well.
"We're very proud of our principals and the work they do," said Superintendent Susan Kincannon. "They have really hard jobs and they do a great things for us."
Technology has been doing new and significant things in the Belton district. The iPad's transition to the classroom has proven very successful according to Pittenger.
"Teachers are doing a phenomenal job and are making great lessons. Students are more engaged in their lessons and have proven to be very helpful in regards to the use of the iPad," said Pitternger.
The Fine Arts Program presented what technology has done in their classrooms so far with dancing, art, film and music. Students demonstrated how they can play their instruments, with the help of a previous recording, at home.
One of the most important issues of the night was the approval of the location of the new elementary school.
"We finally got it approved," said Pittenger. "It will be on Wheat Road and is our soon-to-be tenth elementary school. This is the best location for it and we're hoping it will be open in August 2014."
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